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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 55(7)

Quantitative assessment of stand condition and its relationship to physiological stress in stands of Eucalyptus camaldulensis (Myrtaceae)

Shaun C. Cunningham A C , Jennifer Read B , Patrick J. Baker A and Ralph Mac Nally A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Australian Centre for Biodiversity, School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic. 3800, Australia.

B School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic. 3800, Australia.

C Corresponding author. Email: shaun.cunningham@sci.monash.edu.au

Australian Journal of Botany 55(7) 692-699 https://doi.org/10.1071/BT07031
Submitted: 21 February 2007  Accepted: 12 June 2007   Published: 15 November 2007

Abstract

River regulation has led to a decline in the condition of Australia’s dominant riverine tree species, Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh., in the Murray–Darling Basin. A quantitative method of assessing the condition of these important riparian forests is required for effective monitoring and management. A range of stand structural, morphological and physiological variables was measured in stands of contrasting condition along the Murray River in south-eastern Australia. Percentage live basal area, plant area index and crown vigour were found to be reliable, objective indicators of stand condition. Little difference was detected in the physiological performance of trees in terms of water potential and chlorophyll fluorescence among stands of good and poor condition.


Acknowledgements

This research was funded by an ARC linkage grant (LP0560518, which was partially funded by the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) and four Catchment Management Authorities (Mallee CMA, North Central CMA, Goulburn-Broken CMA, North East CMA). We thank the staff of DSE and the CMAs for their advice on potential indicators of tree condition and location of appropriate sites. We also thank Greg Horrocks and Rachael Nolan for assistance with fieldwork and Matt White (Arthur Rylah Institute, DSE) for the NDVI data. This is publication No. 113 from the Australian Centre for Biodiversity: Analysis, Policy and Management.


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